Reed Stallman had a big weekend...

[MStateDawg]

He was 5 of 10 with 3 homeruns during the scrimmages.

I think he's thrust himself into serious contention for an outfield spot.

[KB21]

His bat is too good to leave on the bench. He's not only got some pop in his bat, but he walks at a high rate as well. He's going to get on base, and he's going to slug.

[MStateDawg]

It certainly wouldn't be our best defensive lineup, but you could put together a power filled lineup with this group:

1B - Hunter Hines
2B - Sawyer Reeves
3B - Ace Reese
SS - Dylan Cupp
C - Jackson Owen
LF - Reed Stallman/Bryce Chance
CF - Ross Highfill
RF - Nolan Stevens/Reed Stallman
DH - Nolan Sullivan

[Pinto]

4 and possibly 5 of those guys went 0fer during the Saturday scrimmage.

I?m just not sold on this team. Do we have talent, goodness yes! Are we fundamentally sound? Not in the least!

The coaches don?t even coach fundamentals in the scrimmages. It?s almost like they expect the guys to just know it. You have to hammer fundamentals every day. Fundamentals are what lost the World Series this year. Additionally, you have to gel with your teammates to be solid in fundamentals. You can?t miss double plays, misplay fly balls, bunts, pitchers covering first, and base running and expect to go far in this league.

Lastly, it?s still like a summer league mentality with the coaches and team. No getting in someone?s hind end when they screw up. No urgency on the team. No killer instinct. A lot of wool will be shaved real quick.

[Coach34]

Scrimmages arent for coaching fundamentals. Thats done in practice. Scrimmages are game situations to see how guys perform under pressure. Do we need to be more fundamentally sound? Absolutely. Nobody argues that

There is no reason to be sold on any team at this point other than A&M, LSU, Tenn, and UPig based on returning players.

[Todd4State]

4 and possibly 5 of those guys went 0fer during the Saturday scrimmage.

I?m just not sold on this team. Do we have talent, goodness yes! Are we fundamentally sound? Not in the least!

The coaches don?t even coach fundamentals in the scrimmages. It?s almost like they expect the guys to just know it. You have to hammer fundamentals every day. Fundamentals are what lost the World Series this year. Additionally, you have to gel with your teammates to be solid in fundamentals. You can?t miss double plays, misplay fly balls, bunts, pitchers covering first, and base running and expect to go far in this league.

Lastly, it?s still like a summer league mentality with the coaches and team. No getting in someone?s hind end when they screw up. No urgency on the team. No killer instinct. A lot of wool will be shaved real quick.

We work on fundamentals during the midweek. We'll see if they improve. I think part of the issue defensively in the outfield may be speed and range related. Which is why O'Brien has a very real chance to play a lot if not start.

[Todd4State]

It certainly wouldn't be our best defensive lineup, but you could put together a power filled lineup with this group:

1B - Hunter Hines
2B - Sawyer Reeves
3B - Ace Reese
SS - Dylan Cupp
C - Jackson Owen
LF - Reed Stallman/Bryce Chance
CF - Ross Highfill
RF - Nolan Stevens/Reed Stallman
DH - Nolan Sullivan

To me our best lineup is:

C- Highfill
1B- Hines
2B- Reeves, maybe Frei if he continues to hit well
3B- Reese
SS- Cupp
LF- Stallman
CF- Chance
RF- Stevens
DH- Sullivan

Use Powell some at catcher to keep Ross fresh and then use O'Brien as a defensive replacement late.

[Todd4State]

And I will add about fundamentals- if you are a SEC baseball player you should know fundamentals by the time you get to this level unless you had a combination of a really bad high school and summer ball coach and their Dad wasn't a baseball fan at all. Odds of that are low for our players.

Fundamentals should simply be reviewed at this level. Also- players get feedback from the coaches using data showing the players any mistakes they made on any given play and that is reviewed with the player and coaching staff.

That said- players screw up. Go look up a MLB blooper reel on YouTube and you'll see plenty of examples of that.

[BrunswickDawg]

And I will add about fundamentals- if you are a SEC baseball player you should know fundamentals by the time you get to this level unless you had a combination of a really bad high school and summer ball coach and their Dad wasn't a baseball fan at all. Odds of that are low for our players.

Fundamentals should simply be reviewed at this level. Also- players get feedback from the coaches using data showing the players any mistakes they made on any given play and that is reviewed with the player and coaching staff.

That said- players screw up. Go look up a MLB blooper reel on YouTube and you'll see plenty of examples of that.

To echo that - players area also going to be a little rusty getting on-field. Doesn't matter how many reps you take in practice, it takes some time to lock in via scrimmages and even a few games.
Outfield defense is a great example. We pretty much have a new outfield. Do they know how much range the guy next to them has? Do they know if they struggle with balls hit to a certain area? Do they know how the ball caroms off the wall in the corner or if it dies? The first couple of weekend of scrimmages is where you are going to see a lot of uncertainty like this.

[MStateDawg]

To me our best lineup is:

C- Highfill
1B- Hines
2B- Reeves, maybe Frei if he continues to hit well
3B- Reese
SS- Cupp
LF- Stallman
CF- Chance
RF- Stevens
DH- Sullivan

Use Powell some at catcher to keep Ross fresh and then use O'Brien as a defensive replacement late.

I agree with everything you wrote. The lineup I posted earlier wasnt meant to be our best, but rather the one that puts the most power in the lineup.

I'm wondering how solidified Stevens' spot in RF is. Does Stallman have the arm to play right?

[Pinto]

And I will add about fundamentals- if you are a SEC baseball player you should know fundamentals by the time you get to this level unless you had a combination of a really bad high school and summer ball coach and their Dad wasn't a baseball fan at all. Odds of that are low for our players.

Fundamentals should simply be reviewed at this level. Also- players get feedback from the coaches using data showing the players any mistakes they made on any given play and that is reviewed with the player and coaching staff.

That said- players screw up. Go look up a MLB blooper reel on YouTube and you'll see plenty of examples of that.

Todd I will by far and away defer to you when it comes to baseball, but this has been a trend under Lemon and is already rearing its head again. Emphasis has to be placed on fundamentals at some point. Just tired is seeing so much sloppy ball.

[Homedawg]

It certainly wouldn't be our best defensive lineup, but you could put together a power filled lineup with this group:

1B - Hunter Hines
2B - Sawyer Reeves
3B - Ace Reese
SS - Dylan Cupp
C - Jackson Owen
LF - Reed Stallman/Bryce Chance
CF - Ross Highfill
RF - Nolan Stevens/Reed Stallman
DH - Nolan Sullivan
As you said it won't be our best defense. It's bad defensively as we can get. We will be doing some late inning subs w the lead. That's for sure.

[HoopsDawg]

Todd I will by far and away defer to you when it comes to baseball, but this has been a trend under Lemon and is already rearing its head again. Emphasis has to be placed on fundamentals at some point. Just tired is seeing so much sloppy ball.

Agree with you.

[HoopsDawg]

To me our best lineup is:

C- Highfill
1B- Hines
2B- Reeves, maybe Frei if he continues to hit well
3B- Reese
SS- Cupp
LF- Stallman
CF- Chance
RF- Stevens
DH- Sullivan

Use Powell some at catcher to keep Ross fresh and then use O'Brien as a defensive replacement late.

Agree with this lineup but not ruling out Reese in RF with Frei at 3B.

[schddog72]

4 and possibly 5 of those guys went 0fer during the Saturday scrimmage.

I?m just not sold on this team. Do we have talent, goodness yes! Are we fundamentally sound? Not in the least!

The coaches don?t even coach fundamentals in the scrimmages. It?s almost like they expect the guys to just know it. You have to hammer fundamentals every day. Fundamentals are what lost the World Series this year. Additionally, you have to gel with your teammates to be solid in fundamentals. You can?t miss double plays, misplay fly balls, bunts, pitchers covering first, and base running and expect to go far in this league.

Lastly, it?s still like a summer league mentality with the coaches and team. No getting in someone?s hind end when they screw up. No urgency on the team. No killer instinct. A lot of wool will be shaved real quick.

Lemon doing lemon; too busy breaking in a new bucket to sit on to be bothered by such minor details as fundamentals!!

[CaptainObvious]

Oh Boy! Those 3-2, 6-5, and 5-3 wins against Manhattan are going to bring out the wolves!

[MoreCowbell]

4 and possibly 5 of those guys went 0fer during the Saturday scrimmage.

I?m just not sold on this team. Do we have talent, goodness yes! Are we fundamentally sound? Not in the least!

The coaches don?t even coach fundamentals in the scrimmages. It?s almost like they expect the guys to just know it. You have to hammer fundamentals every day. Fundamentals are what lost the World Series this year. Additionally, you have to gel with your teammates to be solid in fundamentals. You can?t miss double plays, misplay fly balls, bunts, pitchers covering first, and base running and expect to go far in this league.

Lastly, it?s still like a summer league mentality with the coaches and team. No getting in someone?s hind end when they screw up. No urgency on the team. No killer instinct. A lot of wool will be shaved real quick.

I mean honestly high level SEC baseball players should come in knowing fundamentals

[Coach34]

I mean honestly high level SEC baseball players should come in knowing fundamentals

exactly. SEC players ****ing up a rundown is on them. Fundamentals are taught on the lower level. SEC guys work on skill and reps

[Brobi-wan]

I about all the Lemo haters on this board.

[CaptainObvious]

I about all the Lemo haters on this board.

I think you overestimate "haters"!

Skeptics! Yep!

[HoopsDawg]

exactly. SEC players ****ing up a rundown is on them. Fundamentals are taught on the lower level. SEC guys work on skill and reps

You would think but definitely not always the case

[Todd4State]

Scrimmages arent for coaching fundamentals. Thats done in practice. Scrimmages are game situations to see how guys perform under pressure. Do we need to be more fundamentally sound? Absolutely. Nobody argues that

There is no reason to be sold on any team at this point other than A&M, LSU, Tenn, and UPig based on returning players.

And I'll get on my soapbox here- the NCAA should allow college baseball teams four preseason exhibition games the weekend before the season starts. It would add a lot to the quality of play early in the season. You know if we played Delta State or even the W (Yes, they have a baseball team) we would draw probably at least 5-8K on a weekend as long as we worked it around basketball. That's valuable to the players and coaches because then they can see guys perform in front of a crown and in front of live competition but at the same time whatever happens in those games doesn't count so there is really no reason other than injury to not get pitchers in and play everyone. And if a guy gives up 3 home runs in an inning they can flush it and start over. Or make a bunch of dumb errors and strike out three times.

There is a reason why MLB plays a ton of exhibition games and very few intrasquad scrimmages. Much more value against live competition.

And playing a random four game series against Alabama in October and then expecting that to translate later to February is kind of silly.

[Todd4State]

Todd I will by far and away defer to you when it comes to baseball, but this has been a trend under Lemon and is already rearing its head again. Emphasis has to be placed on fundamentals at some point. Just tired is seeing so much sloppy ball.

We were third in the SEC in fielding percentage last year. We may have been sloppy at the beginning of the season last year but that improved and may have been a little bit about Mershon not being in the lineup to kind of settle things down. Sure we made mistakes at times like any other baseball team but looking at stats it doesn't appear to me that we were disproportionately bad in any specific category relative to the rest of the SEC.

And we could have some more issues this year because we could have four guys playing new positions this year- Reeves from SS to 2B, Reese from OF to 3B, Chance from LF to CF, and Stallman from 1B to LF or RF. But I think that things will improve as SEC play starts. The biggest concern from what I have heard is OF range- in other words getting to fly balls. Chance is a Rusty Thoms type of player in CF. Of course if O'Brien can hit there is a very good chance he starts in the OF.

I'm just saying that when we make mistakes it's not because they players weren't taught something or we don't review it. It's because they screwed it up.

And if your talking about offense, you'll notice that most of the guys we got in the portal have really good K/BB ratios but they also have good power. Basically, that means we got guys that make contact more often than not which in theory should mean more balls put into play during situational baseball situations and in theory our team should be more clutch. At the same time we have some guys that we brought in that could conceivably hit 10+ home runs while not striking out a ton- Reese, Noah Sullivan, and Stallman. Getting Ross Highfill back is going to help the offense out a lot too.

[somebodyshotmypaw]

We were third in the SEC in fielding percentage last year. We may have been sloppy at the beginning of the season last year but that improved and may have been a little bit about Mershon not being in the lineup to kind of settle things down. Sure we made mistakes at times like any other baseball team but looking at stats it doesn't appear to me that we were disproportionately bad in any specific category relative to the rest of the SEC.

And we could have some more issues this year because we could have four guys playing new positions this year- Reeves from SS to 2B, Reese from OF to 3B, Chance from LF to CF, and Stallman from 1B to LF or RF. But I think that things will improve as SEC play starts. The biggest concern from what I have heard is OF range- in other words getting to fly balls. Chance is a Rusty Thoms type of player in CF. Of course if O'Brien can hit there is a very good chance he starts in the OF.

I'm just saying that when we make mistakes it's not because they players weren't taught something or we don't review it. It's because they screwed it up.

And if your talking about offense, you'll notice that most of the guys we got in the portal have really good K/BB ratios but they also have good power. Basically, that means we got guys that make contact more often than not which in theory should mean more balls put into play during situational baseball situations and in theory our team should be more clutch. At the same time we have some guys that we brought in that could conceivably hit 10+ home runs while not striking out a ton- Reese, Noah Sullivan, and Stallman. Getting Ross Highfill back is going to help the offense out a lot too.

Our issue with fundamentals last year centered around baserunning rather than fielding. And there were issues these guys were taught in eighth grade. Lemonis can’t run the bases for them. And you can’t necessarily bench a player for dumb mistakes when you don’t have a quality replacement. We have a much deeper roster this year. I’m excited for the season.

[Homedawg]

Our issue with fundamentals last year centered around baserunning rather than fielding. And there were issues these guys were taught in eighth grade. Lemonis can’t run the bases for them. And you can’t necessarily bench a player for dumb mistakes when you don’t have a quality replacement. We have a much deeper roster this year. I’m excited for the season.

Baseball IQ is low. Everywhere.

[Coach34]

Baseball IQ is low. Everywhere.

It's down in all sports- not just baseball. I had something happen this past season I havent had happen before in all my years of coaching. I had my RT try to block down on a 1 tech because he was supposed to "block down". It never once occurred to him that the bigass LB sitting in B gap 3 yards in front of him was "down". So the RT tries to go for the 1 Tech- trips the RG in the process which allows the 1 Tech to blow up our running play for a 4 yard loss. I couldnt even yell. All I could do is "wow"

[Johnson85]

It certainly wouldn't be our best defensive lineup, but you could put together a power filled lineup with this group:

1B - Hunter Hines
2B - Sawyer Reeves
3B - Ace Reese
SS - Dylan Cupp
C - Jackson Owen
LF - Reed Stallman/Bryce Chance
CF - Ross Highfill
RF - Nolan Stevens/Reed Stallman
DH - Nolan Sullivan

Highill can play catcher and center field? Did I miss that?

[MStateDawg]

Highill can play catcher and center field? Did I miss that?

He's been playing a lot of outfield (cf mostly) in Fall & Spring scrimmages. Lemonis has talked extensively about how he's the most athletic guy on the team and we can definitely expect to see him play some outfield on the days he doesn't catch.

[KOdawg1]

I think Ace playing a corner OF spot and playing Frei or Reeves at 3B makes our lineup better offensively and defensively on the IF. Because if you move Ace to the OF, you probably move Chance to CF which knocks O'Brien out of the lineup.

I think Frei or Reeves can hit better than O'Brien so you're not losing offense. Only downside is OF defense but using MOB as a late inning defensive replacement is an option. If Ace can't handle 3B, I would go:

Highfill - C
Ace - LF
Hines - 1B
Sullivan/Stallman - DH
Stevens/Stallman - RF
Chance - CF
Frei/Reeves - 3B
Cupp - SS
Sanders/Reeves - 2B

[Coach34]

He's been playing a lot of outfield (cf mostly) in Fall & Spring scrimmages. Lemonis has talked extensively about how he's the most athletic guy on the team and we can definitely expect to see him play some outfield on the days he doesn't catch.

Also- this is because of the fact we have 2 other catchers needing playing time as well. Highfill being a great athlete and versatile allows us to play more players to keep bats sharp during the season. Also allows us to avoid and overcome injuries better

[MStateDawg]

Also- this is because of the fact we have 2 other catchers needing playing time as well.

Honestly, we have too many catchers. I suspect they'll ask Spalitta to redshirt as there's just not going to be much opportunity for him to play. 3 catchers is enough and Ben Davis could be your emergency 4th catcher.

[Homedawg]

I think Ace playing a corner OF spot and playing Frei or Reeves at 3B makes our lineup better offensively and defensively on the IF. Because if you move Ace to the OF, you probably move Chance to CF which knocks O'Brien out of the lineup.

I think Frei or Reeves can hit better than O'Brien so you're not losing offense. Only downside is OF defense but using MOB as a late inning defensive replacement is an option. If Ace can't handle 3B, I would go:

Highfill - C
Ace - LF
Hines - 1B
Sullivan/Stallman - DH
Stevens/Stallman - RF
Chance - CF
Frei/Reeves - 3B
Cupp - SS
Sanders/Reeves - 2B
Agreed.

[Homedawg]

Honestly, we have too many catchers. I suspect they'll ask Spalitta to redshirt as there's just not going to be much opportunity for him to play. 3 catchers is enough and Ben Davis could be your emergency 4th catcher.

Ben Davis isn't going to be on the 40 man. At least I highly doubt he will. Somebody, 4 somebody's have to go to get to 40

[MStateDawg]

Ben Davis isn't going to be on the 40 man.

That's certainly possible, but with Davis missing the entire Fall it's hard to say for sure. He's pitched twice this spring. One good outing and one bad. I imagine he needs another good outing to have a shot.

[Todd4State]

I think Ace playing a corner OF spot and playing Frei or Reeves at 3B makes our lineup better offensively and defensively on the IF. Because if you move Ace to the OF, you probably move Chance to CF which knocks O'Brien out of the lineup.

I think Frei or Reeves can hit better than O'Brien so you're not losing offense. Only downside is OF defense but using MOB as a late inning defensive replacement is an option. If Ace can't handle 3B, I would go:

Highfill - C
Ace - LF
Hines - 1B
Sullivan/Stallman - DH
Stevens/Stallman - RF
Chance - CF
Frei/Reeves - 3B
Cupp - SS
Sanders/Reeves - 2B

I like it and I could see it possibly playing out like that.

[Todd4State]

Baseball IQ is low. Everywhere.

Yes it is! LOL. Not to mention I think our guys can sometimes do things they shouldn't on the bases in high school and travel ball and get away with it.

[Todd4State]

Ben Davis isn't going to be on the 40 man. At least I highly doubt he will. Somebody, 4 somebody's have to go to get to 40

Not sure if it's allowed but I could see them using him as a bullpen catcher.

[Coach34]

Frei struggled in the Fall- which allowed the Reese move to happen in the first place. I hope he's having a better Spring because that does nothing but help us

[Homedawg]

Frei struggled in the Fall- which allowed the Reese move to happen in the first place. I hope he's having a better Spring because that does nothing but help us

We promised ace a shot at third. That's where he wants to play. We shall see how it works out. Obvious if he can defend it's the best lineup w him at third. Not even close.

[Ranchdawg]

One of my best friends in high school played at State under Polk. When Polk was still somewhat young. Friend told me that him and other players use to make fun of Polk because at practice Polk would make all the players run drills till to the point of being maddening. Some coaches friend said would hit 20 grounders to the short stop. Not Polk he would hit 60 for example.

Now friend is a high school coach and somewhat successful coach he does same. Now that he has matured he now sees the importance of doing the little things till it become routine and cuts way down on mistakes when actual play comes.

[Todd4State]

One of my best friends in high school played at State under Polk. When Polk was still somewhat young. Friend told me that him and other players use to make fun of Polk because at practice Polk would make all the players run drills till to the point of being maddening. Some coaches friend said would hit 20 grounders to the short stop. Not Polk he would hit 60 for example.

Now friend is a high school coach and somewhat successful coach he does same. Now that he has matured he now sees the importance of doing the little things till it become routine and cuts way down on mistakes when actual play comes.

And we would still make mistakes under Polk.

I agree 110% that reps help and that's the best way to do it. In MLB they do even more reps than 60 in spring training. But it only helps to minimize mistakes- it doesn't eliminate them.

[MStateDawg]

One of my best friends in high school played at State under Polk. When Polk was still somewhat young. Friend told me that him and other players use to make fun of Polk because at practice Polk would make all the players run drills till to the point of being maddening. Some coaches friend said would hit 20 grounders to the short stop. Not Polk he would hit 60 for example.

Now friend is a high school coach and somewhat successful coach he does same. Now that he has matured he now sees the importance of doing the little things till it become routine and cuts way down on mistakes when actual play comes.

Polk was widely know for marathon length practices, but that was in an era prior to the NCAA limiting practice times. Beginning in 1991, the NCAA instituted the 20-hour practice limit per week. Prior to that teams could practice as much as they wanted to.

[schddog72]

I about all the Lemo haters on this board.

Not a "hater" but just zero confidence based on '22, and especially '23, results. Just no excuse for winning a natty and then letting the ship totally sink. And the program still has not fully recovered. Lack of coaching of basic fundamentals rears it's ugly head in almost game.

[Coach34]

One of my best friends in high school played at State under Polk. When Polk was still somewhat young. Friend told me that him and other players use to make fun of Polk because at practice Polk would make all the players run drills till to the point of being maddening. Some coaches friend said would hit 20 grounders to the short stop. Not Polk he would hit 60 for example.

Now friend is a high school coach and somewhat successful coach he does same. Now that he has matured he now sees the importance of doing the little things till it become routine and cuts way down on mistakes when actual play comes.

I dont know any program that doesnt have their guys taking a minimum of 50 groundballs a day. Shit we did that in juco 30 years ago. My point was that we likely dont work rundowns or PFP's everyday. Guys spend their time fielding and hitting then working situations.

[Brobi-wan]

Not a "hater" but just zero confidence based on '22, and especially '23, results. Just no excuse for winning a natty and then letting the ship totally sink. And the program still has not fully recovered. Lack of coaching of basic fundamentals rears it's ugly head in almost game.

I?m not saying it?s unwarranted. I don?t love him either. I?m just not willing to bet we would get rid of him and do better.

[Coach34]

This is not hard.

We had a gap in recruiting due to some revolving doors at Head Coach- accompanied by some crippling injuries on the pitching staff. We have since righted the ship with a solid season in 24 and are now even more talented in 25. We have some serious talent among the Freshman arms.

Lemon aint perfect by any means- but things could always be worse.

Remind me how many titles Schloss has?

[PGHBulldogBG]

We appear to be in the best shape from a talent level and coaching level with Parker over Foxhall to be in the best position to succeed since 2021 and Lemonis finally being able to fully recruit his guys after all the coaching turmoil we have had. This team may not be Omaha bound but improving from last year to get to a super seems likely when you look at the overall picture

[Todd4State]

This is not hard.

We had a gap in recruiting due to some revolving doors at Head Coach- accompanied by some crippling injuries on the pitching staff. We have since righted the ship with a solid season in 24 and are now even more talented in 25. We have some serious talent among the Freshman arms.

Lemon aint perfect by any means- but things could always be worse.

Remind me how many titles Schloss has?

Yep. And the truth is Cohen screwed up baseball just as much as anything else he touched. He started the massive turnover at head coach by becoming AD, hired a guy that was immature and in no way shape or form ready to be a head coach here or anywhere else for that matter, ended up having to fire Cann whose lack of recruiting because he was chasing tail and taking gym selfies instead reared it's ugly head in 2022. Henderson saved the day in 2018 but as far as recruiting goes no one that was a player in high school at that time had any idea who we would hire. Lemonis brought stability and won the NC MSU baseball deserves. We also had just as many pitching coach changes in that time period too. No idea how much that affected injuries but Wes definitely did too much too quickly IMO and Gary Henderson was past his prime when we hired him. Then Foxhall got burned out. Parker is really impressive and the best hire we have made there since we hired Wes.

Cohen left the program in really good shape though when he decided to play around being an AD. Too much talent to screw up- multiple pitchers that made MLB, future first round picks like Sims, Westburg, and Foscue and then some special All-American types in Mangum, MacNamee, and Tanner Allen as well as Rowdey. I actually think we underachieved somewhat in 2021. If we had Parker instead of Foxhall Cerentola probably reaches his ceiling and the pitching staff would have been even better.

Unfortunately, it was a matter of time before we took a step back. The thing is Lemonis is recruiting just as well as Cohen did now. Our current freshmen are really good. But if aren't killed in the draft in the next two classes- and I don't think we will be in this upcoming draft- in a couple of years we should be a NC contender.

I also think that Lemonis is starting to hit his peak as a coach. He has been at MSU for a few years now and he sounds more confident than ever. It seems like the program has a really good vibe. When we first hired him I think he was still learning to a degree and I think he mostly let the veterans take charge. Which was a good idea. I think sometime around 2022-2023 he started to really make the program his rather than Cohen's.

We're always going to have fans that complain that he isn't emotional enough. Of course if we hired Vitello they would be complaining that his antics were embarrassing and the fur coats in the dugout are over the top. MSU fans always want the opposite of whatever coach we actually have at that time.

[MStateDawg]

We're always going to have fans that complain that he isn't emotional enough. Of course if we hired Vitello they would be complaining that his antics were embarrassing

This is 1000% accurate and we have proof of it. Cohen was extremely fiery his first few seasons at State and people complained about his yelling and profanity coming from the dugout. Now people complain about the lack of that behavior from Lemonis.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Who was pitching when Reed Stallman went Babe Ruth.

Is he playing corner outfield in scrimmage

[MStateDawg]

Who was pitching when Reed Stallman went Babe Ruth.

Is he playing corner outfield in scrimmage

Not sure about who he's faced off against, but I do know he was playing RF in yesterday's scrimmage.

[Coach34]

Not sure about who he's faced off against, but I do know he was playing RF in yesterday's scrimmage.

I think there is a good chance we see some platooning going on at positions- especially to start the season

[Todd4State]

I think there is a good chance we see some platooning going on at positions- especially to start the season

Yes. In the OF alone we could see at least six guys see starting time early in the season.

[Commercecomet24]

Yep. And the truth is Cohen screwed up baseball just as much as anything else he touched. He started the massive turnover at head coach by becoming AD, hired a guy that was immature and in no way shape or form ready to be a head coach here or anywhere else for that matter, ended up having to fire Cann whose lack of recruiting because he was chasing tail and taking gym selfies instead reared it's ugly head in 2022. Henderson saved the day in 2018 but as far as recruiting goes no one that was a player in high school at that time had any idea who we would hire. Lemonis brought stability and won the NC MSU baseball deserves. We also had just as many pitching coach changes in that time period too. No idea how much that affected injuries but Wes definitely did too much too quickly IMO and Gary Henderson was past his prime when we hired him. Then Foxhall got burned out. Parker is really impressive and the best hire we have made there since we hired Wes.

Cohen left the program in really good shape though when he decided to play around being an AD. Too much talent to screw up- multiple pitchers that made MLB, future first round picks like Sims, Westburg, and Foscue and then some special All-American types in Mangum, MacNamee, and Tanner Allen as well as Rowdey. I actually think we underachieved somewhat in 2021. If we had Parker instead of Foxhall Cerentola probably reaches his ceiling and the pitching staff would have been even better.

Unfortunately, it was a matter of time before we took a step back. The thing is Lemonis is recruiting just as well as Cohen did now. Our current freshmen are really good. But if aren't killed in the draft in the next two classes- and I don't think we will be in this upcoming draft- in a couple of years we should be a NC contender.

I also think that Lemonis is starting to hit his peak as a coach. He has been at MSU for a few years now and he sounds more confident than ever. It seems like the program has a really good vibe. When we first hired him I think he was still learning to a degree and I think he mostly let the veterans take charge. Which was a good idea. I think sometime around 2022-2023 he started to really make the program his rather than Cohen's.

We're always going to have fans that complain that he isn't emotional enough. Of course if we hired Vitello they would be complaining that his antics were embarrassing and the fur coats in the dugout are over the top. MSU fans always want the opposite of whatever coach we actually have at that time.

Excellent analysis! I agree, and especially on State fans always wanting the opposite of whatever coach we have.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Todd4State again.

[Commercecomet24]

Polk was widely know for marathon length practices, but that was in an era prior to the NCAA limiting practice times. Beginning in 1991, the NCAA instituted the 20-hour practice limit per week. Prior to that teams could practice as much as they wanted to.

The limited practice time has hurt baseball at all levels. When I played high school/juco ball you could practice as much as you wanted and we did! Heck in high school we actually started in December in an old gym, then took our Christmas break and were back at it January 2nd, and we practiced hours each day. We were super sound fundamentally and especially on defense. Now I watch high school, juco and college ball and you can see where the limited practice time effects the little things and especially defensively. These kids don't take half the reps we used to and it shows. My oldest son is a high school baseball coach and it frustrates him that the time they have is so limited.

[Coach34]

In college we practiced from 2:30 to 6:30 just about everyday in the Fall from September-November. I threw more innings in the Fall than I did in the Spring

[Commercecomet24]

In college we practiced from 2:30 to 6:30 just about everyday in the Fall from September-November. I threw more innings in the Fall than I did in the Spring

Yep, times have certainly changed and i swear these high school and college kids have so many "sore arms and injuries" that its almost unbelievable. It was rare that anyone missed a game much less half or whole seasons but it happens all the time now with supposedly better training methods and kids supposedly being in better shape.

[BrunswickDawg]

The limited practice time has hurt baseball at all levels. When I played high school/juco ball you could practice as much as you wanted and we did! Heck in high school we actually started in December in an old gym, then took our Christmas break and were back at it January 2nd, and we practiced hours each day. We were super sound fundamentally and especially on defense. Now I watch high school, juco and college ball and you can see where the limited practice time effects the little things and especially defensively. These kids don't take half the reps we used to and it shows. My oldest son is a high school baseball coach and it frustrates him that the time they have is so limited.

Man, there was nothing worse then those early January practices. 3:30 - 7:00 PM, but the lights had to be on the whole time because Atlanta is just cloudy gray all month. Your feet were frozen. Your hands were frozen. The infield dirt was frozen. You dressed like a baseball version Randy in A Christmas Story, so you can't move well. Your glove was hard from the cold. Foul one off in BP and your hands sting for half an hour. Catch a hard liner - hands sting for half an hour. Get hit on your bare hand and you're done, won't feel your fingers for the rest of the day. And lets run pole to pole for the last 15 minutes so you can't breath before you go home!! Fun times. But, I could pick it at 2B by the first game in the middle of February!

[ZedFedder]

Had a friend that all he did was hunt, fish, and play baseball. He threw and long tossed all year round, no breaks. If it was 100 degrees or 10 he was out there. Never had the first arm issue.

[Commercecomet24]

Man, there was nothing worse then those early January practices. 3:30 - 7:00 PM, but the lights had to be on the whole time because Atlanta is just cloudy gray all month. Your feet were frozen. Your hands were frozen. The infield dirt was frozen. You dressed like a baseball version Randy in A Christmas Story, so you can't move well. Your glove was hard from the cold. Foul one off in BP and your hands sting for half an hour. Catch a hard liner - hands sting for half an hour. Get hit on your bare hand and you're done, won't feel your fingers for the rest of the day. And lets run pole to pole for the last 15 minutes so you can't breath before you go home!! Fun times. But, I could pick it at 2B by the first game in the middle of February!

Sounds like we had the same coach just in a different state, lol! That was exactly the way it was for us! Great memories! I'm afraid these kids now would just go home!

[Commercecomet24]

Had a friend that all he did was hunt, fish, and play baseball. He threw and long tossed all year round, no breaks. If it was 100 degrees or 10 he was out there. Never had the first arm issue.

I did the same exact thing!

[Coach34]

Man, there was nothing worse then those early January practices. 3:30 - 7:00 PM, but the lights had to be on the whole time because Atlanta is just cloudy gray all month. Your feet were frozen. Your hands were frozen. The infield dirt was frozen. You dressed like a baseball version Randy in A Christmas Story, so you can't move well. Your glove was hard from the cold. Foul one off in BP and your hands sting for half an hour. Catch a hard liner - hands sting for half an hour. Get hit on your bare hand and you're done, won't feel your fingers for the rest of the day. And lets run pole to pole for the last 15 minutes so you can't breath before you go home!! Fun times. But, I could pick it at 2B by the first game in the middle of February!

Nothing teaches you to get the bat head out front than a live hitting AB during January

[MoreCowbell]

This is not hard.

We had a gap in recruiting due to some revolving doors at Head Coach- accompanied by some crippling injuries on the pitching staff. We have since righted the ship with a solid season in 24 and are now even more talented in 25. We have some serious talent among the Freshman arms.

Lemon aint perfect by any means- but things could always be worse.

Remind me how many titles Schloss has?

I admittedly was out on him and the program last year but I have come around on him after looking at big picture.

[MStateDawg]

Ben Davis isn't going to be on the 40 man. At least I highly doubt he will. Somebody, 4 somebody's have to go to get to 40

For someone who ?lives isn?t going to be on the 40 man?, Ben Davis looked pretty damned good today!

https://x.com/hailstatebb/status/1890530981875974430?s=46&t=1lgxucueoh4ikH_R68DvlA

[Homedawg]

For someone who ?lives isn?t going to be on the 40 man?, Ben Davis looked pretty damned good today!

https://x.com/hailstatebb/status/1890530981875974430?s=46&t=1lgxucueoh4ikH_R68DvlA

I'll own it. Thought he was still hurt. But clearly his stuff is legit. I was wrong. ... thanks.

[Cowbell]

I'll own it. Thought he was still hurt. But clearly his stuff is legit. I was wrong. ... thanks.

For a guy that's rarely wrong on here (because you know something before you post it - you don't work off assumptions), good on you for owning it. Now if others could take notice. Appreciate all your inside info.

[MStateDawg]

I'll own it. Thought he was still hurt. But clearly his stuff is legit. I was wrong. ... thanks.

SaulGoodMan! Let's enjoy a fun baseball season. Hail State!

[Coach34]

I admittedly was out on him and the program last year but I have come around on him after looking at big picture.

Exactly. Lemon gets no free pass. His ass needs to make a Super this year at worst. But this team he has constructed looks good. Let's roll!!!!

[Todd4State]

Exactly. Lemon gets no free pass. His ass needs to make a Super this year at worst. But this team he has constructed looks good. Let's roll!!!!

Really kind of feels like he is really taking ownership of the program and feeling comfortable about it.

What I mean is when Lemonis first got here he knew he was basically given an Omaha NC caliber team with multiple first round pick and the ones that weren't first rounders were SEC Legend/All-American types. I think he was just trying to not screw it up when he first got here and to his credit- unlike Joe Moorhead- he didn't screw it up. But when those guys left after we won the NC adversity hit and a lot of fans and media soured on Lemonis. This team is basically guys he recruited and developed and now he has fixed the pitching coach issue. Good chance we are going to be back where we belong very shortly.

[Tater]

Excellent analysis! I agree, and especially on State fans always wanting the opposite of whatever coach we have.

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Todd4State again.

Ehh. This happens anywhere. Any large group of people ain't homogenous. Some want A, some want B, some want C, etc. If you have A, the people who want B or C bitch. If you have B, the people who want A or C bitch.

This applies to all walks of life. The internet platforms them and makes them seem like "everyone" because the people who get what they want ain't the ones feeling the need to voice their opinions.

How many people go to a local town hall and get up to say "I have no complaints - everything is to my satisfaction"? None, right? Well in most towns that's often the "silent majority."

[maroonmania]

Really kind of feels like he is really taking ownership of the program and feeling comfortable about it.

What I mean is when Lemonis first got here he knew he was basically given an Omaha NC caliber team with multiple first round pick and the ones that weren't first rounders were SEC Legend/All-American types. I think he was just trying to not screw it up when he first got here and to his credit- unlike Joe Moorhead- he didn't screw it up. But when those guys left after we won the NC adversity hit and a lot of fans and media soured on Lemonis. This team is basically guys he recruited and developed and now he has fixed the pitching coach issue. Good chance we are going to be back where we belong very shortly.

Really no way to overvalue the hiring of Justin Parker in getting this program back on track. Brought the overall staff ERA down by over 3 runs last year which was incredible and yesterday all the pitchers except Pruitt looked good and threw strikes. Hope we can hold onto Parker because he will likely get some HC opportunities at some point soon.

[Pinto]

4 and possibly 5 of those guys went 0fer during the Saturday scrimmage.

I?m just not sold on this team. Do we have talent, goodness yes! Are we fundamentally sound? Not in the least!

The coaches don?t even coach fundamentals in the scrimmages. It?s almost like they expect the guys to just know it. You have to hammer fundamentals every day. Fundamentals are what lost the World Series this year. Additionally, you have to gel with your teammates to be solid in fundamentals. You can?t miss double plays, misplay fly balls, bunts, pitchers covering first, and base running and expect to go far in this league.

Lastly, it?s still like a summer league mentality with the coaches and team. No getting in someone?s hind end when they screw up. No urgency on the team. No killer instinct. A lot of wool will be shaved real quick.

Shameful bump

[Bothrops]

Gonna be 1-8 after next weekend and the negativity is gonna be stoned immaculate around here.

[EdwardDrayton]

Gonna be 1-8 after next weekend and the negativity is gonna be stoned immaculate around here.

I don't think we get swept. We played Texas close in all three losses and LSU lost two of three to them. Now could we get swept. Sure if we keep making mistakes like we have been. But we're good enough to win at least one.

[Lord McBuckethead]

We are going to be swept. We are not good.